Edinburgh City Council has approved a bold and ambitious City Plan 2030, outlining the strategy for shaping the city's development over the coming years.

The plan, which was approved by the Planning Committee on 23 October and subsequently by Scottish Ministers in April, prioritises sustainable development, affordable housing, and climate action.

Key highlights of the City Plan 2030 include:

• Affordable Housing: A minimum of 35% affordable housing contribution from new housing developments.

• Sustainable Development: Prioritising brownfield land for development and creating new sustainable neighbourhoods.

• Climate Action: Reducing carbon emissions from new buildings, investing in heat networks and energy infrastructure, and implementing policies to tackle climate change and improve air quality.

• Green Spaces: Protecting and enhancing green spaces to improve biodiversity and well-being.


The plan aims to create a vibrant and sustainable city that meets the needs of current and future generations.

Cllr James Dalgleish Planning Convener said: "Our ambitious City Plan 2030 meets the needs of the Capital's growing population providing enough land to build 53,000 much needed new homes. It makes better use of land across all neighbourhoods, and supports our climate goals.

"The Plan will allow us to adopt policies to strengthen communities and look after the health and wellbeing of our residents. We'll build neighbourhoods for local living where people can afford to buy or rent their homes, have job opportunities walk, or wheel to educational and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural and sporting activities and easily access public transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh.

"Crucially, having declared a housing emergency 12 months ago, today's decision will allow us to up the requirement for affordable housing in new developments to a minimum of 35%. We can also take forward policies on student housing which will minimise the number of studio flats and on larger sites developers will be asked to provide other housing, particularly affordable homes, allowing students to live alongside a mix of other people within communities.

"It will also allow us to reduce carbon emissions from new buildings and promote our mixed-use approach for commercial developments.

"I'd like to thank all those residents, community groups and businesses who contributed to this Plan and acknowledge the hard work of Council officers who have helped to deliver it.

"I'm confident that City Plan 2030 will contribute to the ongoing success and sustainability of our great Capital City in the years ahead."